Energy retailers are currently navigating a volatile wholesale market. Some of the retailers below may have temporarily switched off their market offer plans to new customers. We will do our best to keep this table and the details on this page up to date as new information becomes available. Please check plan details and availability directly with providers.
Tasmania has historically been home to one of the most heavily regulated energy markets in Australia. While this meant retail competition was non-existent until recently, it at least made electricity and gas prices fairly stable and easy to understand.
Whether you’re new to the state, or just want to better understand how power and gas in Tasmania works, Canstar Blue walks you through the basics of what you’ll need to know. We might even be able to help you find a better deal.
On this page:
- What is the difference between retailers, distributors and generators?
- Can I choose my own electricity provider in Tasmania?
- Tasmania Electricity Prices
- Tasmania Electricity Rates
- Solar Feed-in Tariffs Tasmania
- Can I choose my natural gas retailer in Tasmania?
- Tasmania Gas Prices
- Who is the electricity distributor in Tasmania?
- What’s next for Tasmania’s energy industry?
- Tasmania Energy FAQs
What is the difference between retailers, distributors and generators?
Before we get underway, it’s worth making a basic point on terminology. The electricity and gas markets can respectively be broken into three tiers – retailers, distributors and generators.
- Generators: Produce the electricity and/or natural gas. Tasmania’s main electricity generator is Hydro Tasmania. Natural gas in Tasmania is imported from a variety of generators on the mainland.
- Distributors: These companies are responsible for delivering the electricity and gas from the generators to your property. Tasmania’s electricity distributor is TasNetworks. There are two gas distributors – Aurora Gas and Tas Gas.
- Retailers: Retailers are responsible for billing and customer services. The main retailers are Aurora Energy – an electricity and natural gas retailer – and Tas Gas, a natural gas retailer. But as we’ll come to, a couple of competitors have now joined the electricity market for the first time.
Can I choose my own electricity provider in Tasmania?
Aurora Energy was the only electricity retailer servicing homes in Tasmania until February 2019 when 1st Energy was permitted to enter the local market. While the Tasmanian government introduced Full Retail Competition in 2014, allowing for other retailers to enter the market and compete for customers, no one came to the table until Melbourne-based 1st Energy made the move. This was likely because power prices remain regulated. However, the good news for electricity customers in Tasmania is that, with a regulated price cap, the only way is down for any electricity retailer new to the market and looking to get households to switch.
Since the arrival of 1st Energy, several other retailers have also entered the market. In late 2019, Future X Power entered the Tassie market, offering one market offer with a small pay on time discount. As of late 2020, Energy Locals also entered the ring, shaking up the scene with an affordable electricity plan that provides customers with access to wholesale electricity rates for a monthly membership fee. And in 2021, CovaU Energy, Glow Power and GEE Energy joined the electricity market in Tasmania.
Tasmania Electricity Prices
Here are the published electricity deals from the retailers on our database for Tasmania. These cost estimates are based on a household with an annual electricity usage of 2,947kWh/year for a residential customer on a single rate tariff at a selected postcode in Tasmania, but prices will vary depending on your circumstances. Use our comparison tool for a more specific comparison in your area. This table includes featured products from referral partners. Our database may not cover all deals available in your area, and please check retailer websites for up to date information.
Tasmania Electricity Rates
Despite retail competition in the state de-regulating, prices in Tasmania still remain regulated by the Government. This means that there is very little room for variation in price for retailers in the state, based on rates alone. As such, most electricity providers in Tasmania will rely on discounts, incentives or unique proposition’s in order to beat our the competition.
Aurora Energy Rates
Aurora Energy is a state government-owned corporation and until recently was Tasmania’s only electricity retailer. Aurora’s prices remain fairly reasonable despite the relative lack of discounting and competition.
The table below shows Aurora Energy’s electricity usage and supply charges for Tasmania, with five different tariffs available. A tariff refers to the electricity pricing structure. Different rates apply to the different tariffs. Below are Aurora’s standard residential electricity prices.
| Tariff | Type | Supply charge | Usage charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff 31 | Light and power | 113.772¢/day | 29.947¢/kWh |
| Tariff 41 | Heating and hot water | 21.214¢/day | 19.447¢/kWh |
| Tariff 93 | Time of use | 126.389¢/day | Peak: 36.198¢/kWh
Off-Peak: 16.855¢/kWh |
| Tariff 61 | Off-peak w/afternoon boost | 26.218¢/day | 15.657¢/kWh |
| Tariff 62 | Off-peak (night only) | 25.061¢/day | 14.747¢/kWh |
Prices as of July 2023. Visit Aurora Energy for more details.
Customers interested in tariff 93 will require a smart meter. It’s also important to point out that tariffs 61 and 62 are controlled load tariffs and don’t operate as a primary electricity tariff.
1st Energy Rates
The first residential electricity challenger to Aurora Energy, 1st Energy offers very similar prices across its tariff structures. However, keep in mind that even subtle differences can have a big impact over time. Below are the prices for the RACT Saver which comes with a small guaranteed discount off usage and supply charges.
| Tariff | Type | Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff 31 | Light and power | 113.74¢/day | 29.92¢/kWh |
| Tariff 41 | Heating and hot water | 21.23¢/day | 19.36¢/kWh |
| Tariff 93 | Time of use | 126.28¢/day | Peak: 36.19¢/kWh
Off-peak: 16.83¢/kWh |
Prices as of July 2023. Visit 1st Energy for more details.
Energy Locals Rates
Challenger brand Energy Locals appears to have lower rates than the other providers available in the state, however in order to do so, customers will need to pay a monthly membership fee to unlock cheaper wholesale prices. Here’s what’s on offer from this retailer:
| Tariff | Tariff Type | Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tariff 31 | Light power | 89.00¢/day | 24.50¢/kWh |
| Tariff 41 | Heating and hot water | 97.00¢/day | 22.00¢/kWh |
| Tariff 61 | Controlled Load 1 | 111.00¢/day | 17.50¢/kWh |
| Tariff 63 | Controlled Load 2 | 111.00¢/day | 17.00¢/kWh |
| Tariff 93 | Time of use | 95.00¢/day | Peak: 32.00¢/kWh
Off-peak: 19.00¢/kWh |
Prices as of July 2023. Visit Energy Locals for more details.
Solar feed-in tariffs Tasmania
When you factor in the savings that come with solar power generation, it’s often harder to determine which provider comes out as the cheapest bet. As of July 2023, the minimum solar feed-in tariff rate was set to 10.869c/kWh in Tasmania. However, some providers choose to offer more competitive rates than this. Here are the current solar feed-in tariffs on offer from Tasmania’s energy retailers:
- Aurora Energy: 10.87c/kWh
- 1st Energy: 10.87c to 12c/kWh
- CovaU Energy: 10.87c/kWh
- Energy Locals: 10.87c/kWh
- Future X Power: TBC
- GEE Energy: TBC
- Glow Power: TBC
Please check retailer websites for more details. Solar feed-in tariff rates accurate as of July 2023.
How to install solar in Tasmania
Installing solar in Tasmania requires approval from TasNetworks. There are six steps to installing solar in Tasmania:
- Find an accredited solar installer
- The Installer submits a connection application with TasNetworks
- TasNetworks assesses whether solar system meets technical requirements and whether the network can accommodate your solar system.
- Once approved, the solar installer will begin installation.
- Before switching the solar system on, TasNetworks will install a digital import-export meter which makes it possible to receive a feed-in tariff.
- The solar system is switched on and you’re ready to start saving with the power of the sun.
If you want to learn more about solar and how to find a reliable installer, check out our solar buying guide.
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Can I choose my natural gas retailer in Tasmania?
There are two natural gas retailers in Tasmania – Tas Gas and Aurora Energy. Both retailers supply gas to the full range of customers, including residential, business and industrial. Tas Gas entered the Tasmania market following the introduction of Full Retail Competition back in 2003 and has come to dominate the state with 8,000 customers, accounting for roughly 65% of the market share. Both gas companies have nearly identical prices and services, so your choice of gas supplier will ultimately come down to the quality of service and personal preference. Although the market is open for new competitors to enter, it seems unlikely Tasmania will see a new gas retailer until the market grows.
Tasmania Gas Prices
The price of natural gas is not regulated in Tasmania, yet there is a negligible difference in price between Tas Gas and Aurora Energy. There are also no published discounts and very little consumer switching. As you can see, Tas Gas usage rates are cheaper, however the retailer’s supply charges are much higher.
Aurora Gas Rates
| Customer Type | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 61.17¢/day | 5.1915¢/MJ |
Prices as of July 2023. Visit Aurora Energy for more details.
Tas Gas Rates
| Customer Type | Daily Supply Charge | Usage Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | 61.00¢/day | 4.606¢/MJ |
Prices as of July 2023. Visit Tas Gas for more details.
Who is the electricity distributor in Tasmania?
TasNetworks is a state government-owned corporation and Tasmania’s only electricity distributor. As a distributor, TasNetworks is responsible for maintaining the poles and wires across the state. TasNetworks is also in charge of checking and maintaining electricity meters.
What’s next for Tasmania’s energy industry?
Tasmania has most of the ingredients for a competitive electricity and gas market, but it’s missing a vital piece – customers. With a population of only half a million, Tasmania is currently too small of a market for most major retailers to invest in. Additionally, while electricity prices are regulated, it’s doubtful that many mainland retailers will see much opportunity in Tasmania’s market. That said, we are now starting to see the benefits of some healthy competition, so if enough customers become proactive and switch around, it could encourage other retailers to give Tasmania more attention. We’ll have to wait and see on that one!
While Tasmanians are severely restricted in retailer choice, there are plenty of other ways to save on energy.
Tasmania Energy FAQs
The rates you pay for electricity in Tasmania are naturally hugely important. But the retailers also have other ways to help reduce your overall costs – namely through conditional discounts. Electricity retailers in Tasmania currently offer the following electricity discounts:
- 1st Energy: Customers on the RACT Saver plan will receive a 4% guaranteed discount off electricity usage charges. This discount lasts for 12 months. Its other offer awards a $50 bill credit paid of the 12 month benefit period.
- Aurora Energy: Customers who pay by direct debit may be eligible to receive a direct debit discount.
- Energy Locals: No discounts, access to wholesale rates in exchange for paying an ongoing monthly membership fee.
Small business owners in Tasmania can choose from the following retailers for an electricity plan:
- 1st Energy
- Aurora Energy
- CovaU Energy
- Energy Locals
- Future X Power
- Glow Power.
Businesses using less than 150 mWh are charged the same as residential Aurora customers, while a different pricing structure applies to businesses using more than 150 mWh.
Here are the choices available for large Tasmanian businesses with higher electricity consumption needs:
- AGL (for businesses consuming 4 GWh/year+)
- Shell Energy
- Flow Power (access to wholesale energy).
While energy competition in Tasmania is de-regulated, prices in the state remain regulated by the Government. This means that new providers are welcome to offer plans and pricing to the Tasmanian energy market, but, these prices must be similar or equal to the regulated price.
Most experts attribute the lack of residential market competition to this price regulation. As it stands, profit margins are too small for most new retailers to come to Tasmania. With wholesale power prices dropping and the possibility of a price decrease, there’s speculation that the government may consider deregulating electricity prices in the future to encourage more competition.
If you’re having trouble with your electricity meter, you experience a power outage, you want to report a faulty streetlight, or you need clearance to work near power cables, TasNetworks is who you contact.
TasNetworks is available to contact 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. The emergency line operates 24 hours, seven days a week.
- Emergencies and faults: 132 004
- General enquiries: 1300 137 008
- Customer feedback: 1800 060 399
There are a couple of different rebates and concessions on offer for low-income energy customers in Tasmania. The most common of these, however, is the Annual Electricity Concession.
The Annual Electricity Concession offers households a daily concession of 172.434 cents to assist in paying energy bills.
This concession is available to the following card holders:
- Pensioner Concession Card – issued by Centrelink or Department of Veterans’ Affairs
- Health Care Card – issued by Centrelink
- ImmiCard (Bridging Visa E) – issued by Department of Immigration and Border Security
- Tasmanian Concession Card – issued by Department of Premier and Cabinet
Other concessions available include the Medical Heating and Cooling Concession and Life Support Concession.
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